Geographic Characteristics of Various Cancers in Yogyakarta Province,Indonesia: A Spatial Analysis at the Community Level

Background: Cancer remains a significant public health problem in Indonesia and worldwide. Yogyakarta Province has the largest number of cancer cases in Indonesia. Maps of the distribution of cancer cases are useful tools for stratification of cancer risk and for selective prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of cancer cases in Yogyakarta Province. Methods: Cancer patient data registered by the Yogyakarta Provincial Health Office during 2019-2020 were analysed in this study (n=9,933). To evaluate cancer pattern distributions, ArcGIS 10.2 and Excel 2016 software were used. Results: The mean participant age (± standard deviation) was 55.08 ± 15.46 years, and 79.40% were female. Breast and cervical cancer were the most frequently diagnosed, and the majority of patients were located in Sleman district. The incidence of all cancer types varied by county-level. The majority of cancer patients lived below the poverty line. Cancer screening rates were low, and screening was limited to breast and cervical cancer. Conclusion: Various types of cancers were identified in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; of them, breast and cervical cancer predominated. Most of the cancer patients were from Sleman district and economically poor areas. Geospatial techniques are useful for identifying environmental factors related to cancer and improving cancer control strategies and resource allocation.     

Survival after reoperation for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: A prospective study

PurposeGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor. Moreover, GBM recurs in nearly all patients. Although a standard STUPP protocol has been widely used for newly diagnosed GBM, no standard regimen has been established for recurrent patients. Here we evaluated the clinical value of recurrent GBM reoperation by comparing overall survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with recurrent GBM undergoing repeat surgery or conservative treatment.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 165 patients with GBM receiving first operations for their disease between 2011 and 2013 at two tertiary neurosurgery centers in Poland. Thirty-five eligible patients were re-operated for recurrence (the study group), and 35 patients were selected as the control group using propensity score matching. A model was created to determine advantageous prognostic factors for longer survival of patients qualifying for reoperation using stepwise linear regression.ResultsThe mean overall survival of patients undergoing repeat surgery was 528 days compared to 297 days in patients who did not undergo repeat surgery. Reoperation did not result in a significant deterioration in performance status as measured by the Karnofsky Performance Scale. Older age, the presence of symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, and a shorter period between initial operation and reoperation were independent predictors of a worse outcome.ConclusionIn selected patients, reoperation for recurrent GBM prolongs survival with no significant deteriorations in performance status.     

Method’s corner: Allergist’s guide to network meta-analysis

Network meta-analyses (NMAs) simultaneously estimate the effects of multiple possible treatment options for a given clinical presentation. For allergists to benefit optimally from NMAs, they must understand the process and be able to interpret the results. Through a worked example published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, we summarize how to identify credible NMAs and interpret them with a focus on recent innovations in the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). NMAs build on traditional systematic reviews and meta-analyses that consider only direct paired comparisons by including indirect evidence, thus allowing the simultaneous assessment of the relative effect of all pairs of competing alternatives. Our framework informs clinicians of how to identify credible NMAs and address the certainty of the evidence. Trustworthy NMAs fill a critical gap in providing key inferences using direct and indirect evidence to inform clinical decision making when faced with more than two competing courses of treatment options. This document will help allergists to identify trustworthy NMAs to enhance patient care.     

基于信息平台的医院POCT管理改进

以华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院为例，探讨医院通过健全POCT管理体系，并借助信息平台改进POCT管理的经验，为其他医院POCT规范化管理提供参考。该医院通过搭建POCT管理平台，实现了设备标准化准入、人员资质统一授权、设备自动化质控和诊疗全流程闭环管理；基于信息平台的POCT管理改进，提升了医护人员的POCT认知度和操作水平，提高了医疗工作效率；实行诊疗全程风险管控，保障了医疗安全。